After You Get In

The AAMC recently published a piece called “Congratulations, you got into medical school! Now what?” in which staff writer Bridget Balch lists seven tips for rising first-year medical students. You can see the article here.

The author makes several suggestions, including leveraging the orientation and embracing the academic challenge, but I would highlight her recommendations to find mentors and prioritize your health.

Identifying strong mentors not only affords you the potential for good letters of recommendation and little-known opportunities, but also doing so can support you when medical school is a terrible grind. Mentors can be especially important role models for women and those in traditionally underrepresented groups. The key is to assert yourself and overcome feelings of insignificance. Many faculty are eager to meet and guide students.

With regard to physical and emotional health, I’ve written recently and many times in the past about clinician burnout and depression. Medical school can be a time of significant contraction in your life. Make sure to care for yourself physically and seek mental help when needed.

In the meantime, before school starts, take a well-deserved break!

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About Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to
stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital.
She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated
Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes. Read more

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